C39 · planetary nebula

Eskimo Nebula

The Eskimo Nebula, also known as the Clown Face Nebula, Lion Nebula, or Caldwell 39, is a bipolar double-shell planetary nebula (PN).

RA07h 29m 10sDec+20° 54' 42"

Image: NASA, ESA, Andrew Fruchter (STScI), and the ERO team (STScI + ST-ECF). Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: C39
All designations: C39 · NGC 2392 · Eskimo Nebula
Object type: Planetary Nebula
Constellation: Gemini
Best viewing: Winter · Spring

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 07h 29m 10s
Declination (J2000): +20° 54' 42"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —
Redshift (z): 0.015097

III

Visibility tonight

The science

The Eskimo Nebula, also known as the Clown Face Nebula, Lion Nebula, or Caldwell 39, is a bipolar double-shell planetary nebula (PN). It was discovered by astronomer William Herschel in 1787. The formation resembles a person's head surrounded by a parka hood. It is surrounded by gas that composed the outer layers of a Sun-like star. The visible inner filaments are ejected by a strong wind of particles from the central star. The outer disk contains unusual, light-year-long filaments.

Summary adapted from Wikipedia · CC-BY-SA-4.0